RemoteBooksOnline vs Pilot: Which Bookkeeping Service Is Better for Growing Small Businesses?
Pilot is a venture-backed, tech-driven bookkeeping provider popular with startups. RemoteBooksOnline is a full-service, CPA-reviewed bookkeeping firm built for small business owners who need clarity, accuracy, and affordable pricing.
Download Our Free Brochure →Which one is the right fit for your business? This comparison breaks down RemoteBooksOnline vs Pilot across pricing, technology, support, flexibility, and results.
Service Offerings
| Feature/Service | RemoteBooksOnline | Pairo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Bookkeeping | Yes – CPA-reviewed, handled in-house | Depends on freelance partner hired via platform |
| Catch-Up Bookkeeping | Yes – up to 24+ months | Offered by select freelancers only |
| Tax Filing Support | No – tax-ready books provided | Depends on freelancer – not standardized |
| White-Label for CPAs | Yes | No |
| Industry Flexibility | All SMBs – real estate, law, ecommerce, etc. | Varies by available freelancers |
Verdict:
RemoteBooksOnline supports more industries, offers CPA-reviewed reports, and includes catch-up work affordably – Pilot is more startup-focused with steep pricing.
Pricing Comparison
RemoteBooksOnline provides fixed monthly pricing with no hidden fees. Catch-up work is priced clearly up front, and the first month is free.
Pilot starts around $499/month, with prices increasing based on monthly expenses. Catch-up bookkeeping and tax filing come at an additional cost.
| Monthly Revenue | Pilot Price (est.) |
| <$30K | $499/month |
| $30K–$100K | $799/month |
| $100K+ | $1,000+/month |
Verdict:
RemoteBooksOnline is significantly more cost-effective, especially for businesses not funded by venture capital.
Technology & Integration
RemoteBooksOnline works directly inside QuickBooks or Xero – no need to switch platforms. Everything happens securely in the tools you already use.
Pilot uses its own software system and workflow – clients are expected to migrate and adapt to their platform.
Verdict:
RBO fits your existing stack. Pilot requires you to conform to theirs.
Customer Support
RemoteBooksOnline assigns a dedicated bookkeeping team plus a CPA reviewer. Support is available via phone and email, and you get consistency month after month.
Pilot uses a rotating team model. Communication is often through ticketing and email, with limited personalization unless you pay for high-tier plans.
Verdict:
RBO provides more personalized, accessible support. Pilot support can feel distant and system-driven.
User Reviews & Reputation
RemoteBooksOnline:
- Known for CPA-reviewed accuracy
- High marks for affordability and responsive support
- Valued by small businesses, agencies, real estate, law firms, e-commerce, and more
Pilot:
- Popular among funded startups
- Criticized for pricing, upselling, and limited flexibility
- Positive for those who prefer tech platforms and can afford premium support
Notable Review Themes:
- RBO: “Best value for money,” “Fixed pricing is a relief,” “CPA oversight every month.”
- Pilot: “Great for YC startups,” “Too expensive for bootstrap businesses,” “Good tech, not always human.”
Pros and Cons
RemoteBooksOnline – Pros:
- CPA-reviewed monthly reports
- Flat-rate pricing with no surprise fees
- Works with QBO and Xero
- Catch-up included and affordable
- White-label option for CPAs
Pilot – Pros:
- Built-in integrations with startup tools
- Tax filing add-ons available
- Strong interface for VC-backed companies
RBO – Cons:
- Doesn’t offer tax filing in-house
- Focuses on SMBs, not VC financial modeling
Pilot – Cons:
- High monthly fees
- Expensive catch-up work
- No CPA review
- Less suited to traditional SMBs
Test Case: Digital Marketing Firm in Austin, TX
Background:
A 12-person digital agency signed up with Pilot on a startup recommendation. After three months, they were overwhelmed by the price and found the reports lacked the CPA review they needed for tax prep.
Solution:
Moved to RemoteBooksOnline. Their team took over the QuickBooks account, completed 8 months of catch-up, and began monthly CPA-reviewed reports.
Results:
- Reduced bookkeeping costs by 60%
- Delivered clean books for tax filing in 3 weeks
- Owner gained confidence in P&L and cash flow accuracy
- No software switch required
FAQs
Does Pilot include a CPA review of my books?
No. Pilot provides bookkeeping, but not CPA oversight unless you pay separately for tax services.
Is RBO good for startups?
Yes – especially those watching their cash flow. RBO serves both startups and established businesses.
Can I switch from Pilot to RBO easily?
Absolutely. We’ll help transition your QuickBooks or Xero setup, clean up past months, and simplify reporting.
Does RBO provide software?
No – we work within the tools you already use like QuickBooks or Xero.
Who owns my data with RBO?
You do. We operate inside your systems and never hold your data hostage.
Conclusion: Which One’s Right for You?
If you’re a funded startup with complex VC reporting needs and a large budget, Pilot may be a fit. But if you’re a growing business that wants CPA-reviewed books, fixed pricing, and real support – without switching systems or blowing your budget – RemoteBooksOnline is the smarter choice.
Stay organized and tax-ready year-round with our flat-rate monthly bookkeeping services.
CPA and bookkeeping firms can scale faster with our white-label bookkeeping services fully branded for your clients.
Tax professionals and CPAs rely on our QuickBooks bookkeeping services to streamline financials and scale their practices efficiently.
If you’re behind on your books, our catch-up bookkeeping services can help you get current fast-no stress, no mess.
Choosing the Right Bookkeeping Service? Start Here.
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